Daisie Lee

For my Dad ♥️

I’ll be proudly running the TCS London Marathon 2027  for the World Cancer Research Fund in honour of my dad, and for every single person whose life has been touched by cancer.

In August 2025, our world changed. My dad underwent major surgery after being diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC). Watching someone you love go through something so frightening is something you can never truly prepare yourself for.

During his recovery, I was fortunate enough to work from home so I could help look after him. From preparing his medication to making sure he was eating, those everyday moments became some of the most important moments of my life. They weren’t always easy, but I wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else. It reminded me that caring for the people we love isn’t a burden—it’s a privilege.

Today, my dad is celebrating his first year in remission, and there isn’t a day that goes by that we don’t feel grateful.

If you know my dad, you’ll know he’s one of the most selfless people you could ever meet. He has spent his entire life working incredibly hard to provide for his family, often putting everyone else before himself. No matter how tired he was, no matter what he was carrying himself, he always made sure we had everything we needed.

He’s the kind of dad who would give you his last pound without thinking twice. The kind of person who quietly gets on with things, never asking for recognition, never wanting sympathy. His strength doesn’t come from pretending life is easy—it comes from showing up every single day, even when it isn’t.

Seeing someone so strong become vulnerable was heartbreaking, but seeing his determination throughout his treatment was one of the most inspiring things I’ve ever witnessed.

Cancer doesn’t just affect the person receiving treatment. It touches entire families, friends, colleagues and communities. It changes routines, creates sleepless nights, fills waiting rooms with hope and fear, and reminds you just how precious time really is.

This marathon isn’t just for my dad.

It’s for every person currently hearing the words no one ever wants to hear.

It’s for those who are fighting every single day, even when they don’t feel strong.

It’s for those celebrating remission.

It’s for those whose loved ones are no longer here but whose memories continue to inspire us.

It’s for the husbands, wives, partners, parents, children, siblings, friends and carers who stand beside someone they love, offering strength even when they’re struggling themselves.

And it’s for the incredible doctors, nurses, surgeons, researchers, scientists, healthcare assistants, volunteers and charities who dedicate their lives to finding better treatments, supporting families and working tirelessly towards a future where fewer people have to experience the heartbreak that cancer brings.

Every mile I run will carry a reason.

Dad, this marathon is for you.

Thank you for everything you’ve done for our family. Thank you for teaching us what resilience, kindness and unconditional love look like. We’re all so incredibly proud of you, and we’re beyond thankful that we get to celebrate your remission with you.

You have always been our hero.

Now it’s my turn to run for yours, and for everyone else’s.

Thank you to everyone who supports me throughout this journey. Whether you donate, share my page, cheer from the sidelines or simply believe in me, you’re becoming part of something much bigger than a marathon.

Together, we’re running with hope.

Together, we’re running for those who can’t.

Together, we’re running towards a future where cancer no longer has the power to change so many lives.